The investment includes a 2,800 sq metre extension, along with significant refurbishments and upgrades to meat production and maturation areas, storage areas, and staff facilities.

Supported by the Scottish Government’s Food Processing, Marketing and Co-operation grant scheme, the project has created 80 new jobs and supported an additional 42 jobs during the construction phase.

Bob Carnell, managing director of ABP’s UK Division, said: “We are delighted to welcome Minister for Agriculture, Jim Fairlie, to officially open our new facilities in Perth.

“The plant has been transformed into one of the most modern and advanced of its kind in the UK, and it will play a significant role as we develop further opportunities for Scottish red meat products in the retail and food service sectors throughout Scotland, across the UK and in export markets.”

Jim Fairlie MSP said: “I’d like to thank ABP for their commitment not just to Perthshire but to the whole of the Scottish agricultural sector.

“I am pleased that the Scottish Government could help fund these excellent facilities. They will ensure that Scotland maintains its reputation as the source of some of the finest red meat products in the world.”

ABP has two other sites in Scotland, located at Bridge of Allan and Queenslie near Glasgow, which were acquired from Scotbeef last year. The company now employs 836 people in Scotland and works with 2,200 Scottish farmers.